Thursday August 30, 2007
Trust your GPS and use a little common sense. That is what we did to find a way around Pittsfield MA to get from the campground to Hancock Shaker Village. We arrived about 10 minutes before they opened at 10AM. We looked around the entry complex and then bought our tickets and watched the short video about the Shakers and the village.
We took in the talks at the brick dwelling where up to 100 Shakers lived.
Then we went to the round barn to learn how it was built, why it was round. Being round had nothing to do with evil spirits hiding in corners. It was round to make efficient milk production. Hay was stored in the center, cows were more easily fed and the hay wagons could deliver their cargo by going around the second floor and unloading into the center storage area. Really neat. Remember they didn't have bailers at that time.
We learned that the Shakers were all about efficiency and were early adopters of technology that made their life easier. They used a water turbine when others were using water wheels. We talked to ladies, "sisters", in the weaving area and discussed how yarn was made, dyed and woven into fabric. I was able to take a picture of the distaff assembly that would go on the wool wheel that we have. Maybe we can make Logan yarn.
Across the road, US20, there are more buildings. We went to the sisters basket making area and met JoAnn Catsos who also knows a friend of ours that lives in Manassas, Sandy Anastasio. We had a long visit and learned several things about making baskets and using forms.
On the return to the campground we stopped for diesel and found a little store that had fresh corn so we picked up a few ears. After supper the thunder storms started and continued on and off throughout the night. A great visit.
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